London · Kaiseki · omakase
Kokin
KaisekiOmakaseWoodfireCharcoalJapaneseSushi BarStratfordEast LondonSeasonal
Named after the Japanese word for 'past and present', Kokin sees Gunma-born chef Daisuke Shimoyama — formerly of Michelin-starred Hannah — bring ingredient-led, fire-focused Japanese cooking to a dramatic seventh-floor space overlooking the Olympic Park in Stratford.
- Price
- ¥¥¥
- Area
- Stratford
- Since
- 2025
- Chef
- Daisuke Shimoyama

Plate № 180
About
Kokin opened in May 2025 on the seventh floor of The Stratford hotel, replacing the former Allegra restaurant. Chef-owner Daisuke Shimoyama was born in Gunma, Japan, and honed his craft at Tokyo's three-Michelin-starred Nihonryori Ryugin before moving to London to lead the kitchen at Umu and then opening his critically acclaimed kaiseki restaurant Hannah on the Southbank. At Kokin — meaning 'past and present' — Shimoyama combines cherry and apple wood and Binchotan charcoal with seasonally driven Japanese produce and sustainable bluefin tuna from Spanish and Portuguese waters. The 140-cover restaurant features a dedicated sushi bar offering both temae and omakase experiences, and commands panoramic views across Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Neighborhood & visiting
Kokin sits in Stratford, one of London's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused kaiseki counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional kaiseki restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- Chef Daisuke Shimoyama, formerly of three-Michelin-starred Ryugin Tokyo and Umu London
- Signature woodfire and Binchotan charcoal cookery elevating Japanese seasonal produce
- Dedicated sushi bar with temae and omakase options
- Panoramic 7th-floor views over Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
More authentic kaiseki in London
See all →Other authentic cuisines in London
See all →Authentic kaiseki in other cities
See all →Frequently asked
About Kokin
- Is Kokin an authentic kaiseki restaurant in London?
- Yes — Kokin is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for kaiseki in London: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused kaiseki format.
- Where is Kokin located?
- Kokin is located at 7th Floor, The Stratford, 20 International Way, London E20 1FD, London, UK in the Stratford neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Kokin?
- Kokin accepts reservations online. For an authentic kaiseki experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
- What is the price range at Kokin?
- Kokin sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for kaiseki of this format in London.
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